Ms. Salo Downs began her professional career with ALLETE/Minnesota Power in 1978 fulfilling many roles, including the Special Events Coordinator until 2002 when she went to the University of MN Duluth as the Director of Development. From 2003 – 2010, Salo Downs worked as a Conference Coordinator for the Association for Consumer Psychology and the Association for Consumer Research. In 2006, she joined the Alworth Memorial Fund as their Executive Director. Since then, she has served in this role, administering a family foundation that awards over $1.2 million in scholarship funds annually to 250 college students majoring in mathematics, science, engineering, and medical fields of study. 

The fund offers scholarships to high school seniors that plan to major in math, science, engineering or a medical field of study. Last year they offered $24,000 to 95 students. The theme this year is “Research” with scholarship recipients and the Natural Resources Research Institute presenting what they’ve gathered.

“I think to expand a student’s idea of opportunities in these fields is really really critical. And so, having a taste of what our students have been researching and what’s happening in our backyard I think just brings all these subjects much more alive and makes them more interesting,” said Patty Salo Downs, Executive Director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund.

 

Amber joined the community foundation in 2022, bringing exceptional skills in relationship-building with donors, volunteers, community partners, and students. She has successfully managed over 80 scholarship programs and actively participated in community meetings, fostering meaningful partnerships. Prior to this, Amber served as the Artistic Director of Family Theatre & Education Programming at Duluth Playhouse, where she managed productions and year-round arts education, including establishing a sensory-friendly theater season. Her career also includes roles as a dance and theater instructor, AmeriCorps member, and fine arts teacher at Marshall School.

Amber has been a prominent leader in the local arts scene, blending creativity with community impact. She has held key positions with the MN State Arts Board and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, evaluating grants and advancing initiatives that empower artists and strengthen communities. As Director of Community Impact & Partnerships, Amber will lead efforts to foster strategic partnerships and oversee the foundation’s grant and scholarship programs, guided by her comprehensive understanding of grant evaluation and community development. Her passion for community engagement and artistic vision makes her a perfect fit for this role, where she will continue to drive impactful change.